Ideas to Hang Kayak from Garage Rafters?

[Kev-mo]

I tried searching past topics a bit but probably didn't have the right key words. Anyway, need to rethink current kayak storage and the best option is hanging from the rafters. Did a little bebopping on the web and it looks like I have a lot of options.

 

Figured I'd ask you all before making any moves. I'm okay with DIY but don't have things like extra straps or lumber laying around so I'd need to buy everything. Not sure if that makes sense versus a prepackaged kit. Altho I have noticed some of the prepackaged kits come with plastic pulleys and/or rope that is weak or prone to failure based on reviews.

 

Imagine this A is the rafters. My kayak would hang/be the the line in between the sides of the A. Not as steep of a pitch tho. Kayak is 12 feet, 50 pounds. Seems it's best to hang with straps around whole kayak and upside down.

 

So..... looking for either prepackaged kits that have worked with minimal aftermarket mods or DIY ideas. Thanks!

[BayouSlide]

I used rope, heavy eye hooks and heavy wooden rods—picture a trapeze—to create two hanging points. With a ladder it was simple to push the bow of the canoe onto one and swing the other under the stern.

[Darth-Baiter]

I would make a plywood frame so the kayak can lay flat upside down.  then have a pulley system (I think I would buy the this part)  lift the entire Frame up into the rafters.  then use cords to positively tie the frame to the rafters (have hooks screwed to the rafters at the ready) and release tension on the pulley system. 

[CountryboyinDC]

This is how I do all my kayaks suspended from the ceiling.  Gets them nice and tight unlike the hoists you buy, and all it takes is 2 cam straps with hooks on either end and 4 eye bolts.  Voila - kayak is stored.

[flyfisher]

be careful if i gets hot up there as it can warp the kayak.  I'd try and put the supports closer to the center of the kayak.

[TnRiver46]

Pulleys!!!

 

[Bankc]

I use a Rad Sportz kayak hoist system you can get online for $30 or so.  I set the straps about a third of the way in on either side.  I've recently added a 2x4 to the back one, because it was denting the side of my kayak.  So the 2x4 sits on top of my kayak and pushes the straps out just past the sides of my kayak to keep all of the weight on the bottom.  The dents are easy to fix with a heat gun, if you find your system isn't working.  

 

It's a great pulley system, but DO NOT use the supplied lag bolts to attach it to the rafters.  I did, and like so many other people in the reviews, one snapped in half on me.  I only put about 20 ft/lbs of force on it, so you know they're poorly made bolts.  Instead, take those bolts to a hardware store and buy new ones of the exact same size.  I bought stainless steel, but I'm sure the zinc plated ones would have been fine.  The other bolts with the kit are all fine.